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QAX935, a TLR9 agonist, is in clinical development for the treatment of asthma and allergy.
In May 2005, Idera entered into a research collaboration and option agreement and a separate license, development and commercialization agreement with Novartis to discover, develop and potentially commercialize TLR9 agonists that are identified as potential treatments for asthma and allergies. About this collaboration.
Asthma and allergy conditions are characterized by an imbalance in the immune system (Th1/Th2). Currently approved agents for the treatment of asthma and allergy conditions, including steroids and antibodies, are designed to suppress symptoms of allergic or asthmatic response. Idera has created novel agonists of TLR9 through its chemistry-based approach to making TLR-targeted compounds. TLR9 agonists evaluated in preclinical studies have been shown to induce a Th1 type immune responses. Studies of Idera’s TLR9 agonists in preclinical models of allergies have shown encouraging results.
One of these novel agonists created by Idera, IMO-2134, was designated QAX935 by Novartis and selected for a clinical trial.
Idera has received notification from Novartis that Novartis has terminated the research collaboration and option agreement effective as of February 21, 2010. Upon the effectiveness of the termination, Idera will regain all rights to IMO-2134 without any financial obligations to Novartis and will no longer be subject to restrictions under the agreement on its right to develop its TLR-targeted compounds, including its TLR antagonists and TLR antisense oligonucleotides, for respiratory diseases. [Press Release]
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